Simple and Free

7 Experiments Against Excess

By: Jen Hatmaker

Narrated by: Jen Hatmaker

Why do we pursue more when we’d be happier with less? In this updated edition of 7, New York Times bestselling author Jen Hatmaker tells the story of how she and her family tried to combat overindulgence—and what they learned along the way about living a truly meaningful life.

Simple and Free is the true story of how Jen Hatmaker (along with her family) identified seven areas of excess—food, clothes, spending, media, possessions, waste, and stress—and made seven simple choices to fight back against the modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence. So, what’s the payoff from living a deeply reduced life? It’s the discovery of a greatly increased connection with God—a call toward simplicity and generosity that transcends social experiment to become a radically better life.

In this new edition, written not just for readers of faith but for everyone who craves a gentler, simpler life, Hatmaker shares how sustainability and generosity still impact and challenge her today. Annotated throughout with new reflections from the author, this book offers thoughtful insights on the vastly different world of Simple and Free from back when it was first published as 7, and considers the dramatically different space Hatmaker occupies now. Simple and Free is funny, raw, and not a guilt trip in the making. Come along and discover what Jesus’ version of rich, blessed, and generous might look like in your life.

Critic reviews

“The 7 experiment was the catalyst for us selling our business and our house, downsizing from 3600 square feet to 750, and giving more. I need to use this book as a compass to keep myself focused on what matters.”—Kristi, lifetime quarantine trainee and fairly new GIF user

“Simple & Free is my favorite thing an author could possibly do: revisit her previous work to edit herself in real time. I love the apologies, the corrections, the humility, and the selfdeprecation. If we have grown, we all need to have some words with ourselves and our previously held thoughts and beliefs.”—Allison Pickett, book lover, loud talker, and, seriously, don’t leave her alone with salsa

“I’m incredibly thankful for a book like 7, which planted seeds in me all those years ago. We still recycle. We compost. And we garden. I enjoy the new commentary and appreciate being able to see where [Jen] corrects herself instead of changing the language—an example of how we all make mistakes and how to acknowledge them with grace and humility.”—Liz, lover of books (especially buying them)

“7 completely changed the way I thought about my spending and consumption. I, too, thought that I didn’t care much about clothes, and then I had to stop counting at 300+ items. Simple & Free is a must-read; Jen’s honesty, humility, and humor walk me through how I can love others through my choices.”—Kristi, Enneagram 1 who prefers to be known as an Improver instead of a Perfectionist

“When I first read 7, I was a social worker living in my dream place and following Jesus the best I could. I shopped a lot and thought nothing of it. 7 revolutionized my thoughts about excess. I had to let go of all the things that I thought I loved. Simple & Free is like sitting on the floor reading an old journal with a dear friend.”—Regina, (mostly) recovering shoe addict

Just keeps getting better and better

Love her books and stories! ineish i lived in Austin! thank younfor sharing your journey and life with us!

Good stuff!

Recommended to me, and so happy to get it! Great narration, enlightening & humorous. Touched your heart, mind, & soul.

Food for thought

As usual, this book left me examining many aspects of my life - not just what needs to be scaled back, but which need to increase. I particularly liked her comments from each update, giving a glimpse of what had changed for her since the original printing.

Life changing

Exactly what I needed. The best religious book I have ever read. Thank you Jen!

Love Jen, love the JHBC

Third book I’ve read by Jen. Love the audio versions, because Jen is so animated and hilarious. Five stars!